AFRICA HABITAT REVIEW

Editorial Board

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The Africa Habitat Review Journal strives to impart knowledge and facilitate exchange of ideas among stakeholders in the built environment to keep abreast of new technology, research and development so that they can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their services. Further, it is intended to enable both academicians and non-academicians in the built environment to publish, lobby and influence policy formulation. The Journal links theory and practice in the built environment within the Kenyan, regional and International context.

Content

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VOLUME 18 ISSUE 2 (NOVEMBER 2023)

CONTENT

VII Editorial
Prof. Robert W. Rukwaro

2564. Forces Driving ICT Adoption in Real Estate Firms in Kenya
Luke M. Obala and Alice S. Karbolo

2574. Developing A Framework for Enhancing Value Management Adoption in Conception of Construction Projects in Rwanda
Rwamuhinda Dick, Titus Kivaa and Abednego Gwaya

2584. The Impact of Street Morphology on Crime in Juja Town, Kiambu County
Shaquille Mburu, Stella Kasiva and Sunday Abuje

2598 . Communicating Research in the Built Environment:
A Professional Guide to Publishing Journal Articles
Owiti A. K'Akumu

2614. Employees’ Role in Health and Safety Committees:
Weakest Link Towards Safety Compliances on Construction Sites in Kenya
Chrispus Sifuma Ndinyo, Isabella Njeri Wachira and Christopher Muthini Mbatha

2626. Strategies to Streamline Urban Land Use Succession:
Case Study of Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya
Elizabeth M. K. Nguah, Owiti A K’akumu and Mary W. Kimani

2636. Dynamics of Industrial Gentrification:
A Review of Literature
Mildred Ambani, Jeremiah Ayonga, Margaret Ngayu and Elizabeth Wamuchiru

2648. Determinants of Efficiency in the Construction Industry in Kigali City, Rwanda
Luke M. Obala and Pascal Tuyishime

2662. Developers’ Influence in Health and Safety Committees:
A Missing Link on Construction Sites in Kenya
Chrispus Sifuma Ndinyo, Isabella Njeri Wachira and Christopher Muthini Mbatha

2674. Role of Masonry Work Procedures in Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders of Masonry Workers in Building Construction Workplaces, Nairobi County, Kenya
Japheth Rasugu Nyamboki, Anthony Oduor Ralwala and Robert Rukwaro

Editorial

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EDITORIAL

Land use Planning and Construction Management

Welcome to the Eighteenth Volume Issue 2 of the Africa Habitat Review-Journal of the Faculty of Built Environment and Design. In this edition there are diverse contributions on issues relating to ICT adoption in Real Estate, projects value management, street morphology and urban crime, publishing guideline to journal articles, safety and health compliance on construction site, urban land use succession, industrial gentrification and efficiency in construction industry.

The first paper on Forces Driving ICT Adoption in Real Estate Firms in Kenya investigates the factors influencing ICT adoption in the Real Estate sector. The study adopted a descriptive research design that entailed collection of data from a population of 124 comprising of real estate firms comprising of 83 professional firms and 41 real estate agents operating in Nairobi. A random sample of 63 was selected for investigation of the status of ICT adoption. Data was collected using questionnaires. Data analysis was undertaken using inferential and descriptive statistics to test the relationships between the various variables. In the end of analysis, it was established that the complexity, perceived user benefits, availability of skills and availability of ICT equipment within the firms play varied significant roles influencing ICT adoption. In conclusion, it is clear from the study results that to enhance ICT adoption in Real Estate firms require a combination of efforts including enhancing user staff skills, acquisition of user friendly equipment, facilitating staff interactions between firms and staff from diverse firms. The study recommended that real estate firms be encouraged to engage ICT professionals to enhance their capacities.

The paper entitled Developing a Framework for Enhancing Value Management Adoption in Conception of Construction Projects in Rwanda explores the application of VM in the conception of construction projects in Rwanda. The study examined the current state of VM practices in Rwanda and highlighted factors promoting effective adoption of VM in construction projects. It also looked at the challenges associated with the VM adoption in Rwanda. Additionally, it explored the possibility of making VM use a mandatory requirement in the design of large and complex infrastructure projects in the country. The researchers aimed to develop a framework to foster adoption of VM in the construction industry of Rwanda. A questionnaire was used to collect data from professional practitioners in construction industry in Rwanda, and statistical data analysis was done. The study findings are that the respondents were aware of VM and its benefits in construction projects in Rwanda, but their application of VM in the projects was poor. Consequently, the VM-associated benefits – i.e. improved project outcomes, increased client satisfaction, and reduced project costs – which have been observed elsewhere, are not found in the industry. From the data analysis a schematic framework was formulated to promote the adoption of VM in the construction industry of Rwanda. The framework underlines VM training and awareness campaigns, institutional and legal support, and continual monitoring and evaluation of the endeavour.

The Impact of Street Morphology on Crime in Juja Town, Kiambu County paper aims at identifying and analyzing the street morphology of the area in relation to crime. The study employed a descriptive research design. It sampled 84 streets in Juja town, Kenya, and analyzed their character through observation methods and interviews with respondents on crime incidences. The results show a correlation between street morphology and crime. It found that street morphology explained up to 35 percent variation in crime. Further, streets characterized by single-storey and double-storey structures enclosed by physical barriers such as fences experienced mugging and theft cases. Streets characterized by high-rise structures experienced theft and break-in cases. The study recommended that urban planners employed an organic street pattern approach. Further, local authorities should encourage mixed-used developments, to promote activities on the street through different times of the day. The provision of recreational zones, within residential zones characterized by single-storey and double-storey structures, would encourage a sense of community among residents, promoting passive surveillance and alleviating the fear of crime.

Communicating Research in the Built Environment: A Professional Guide to Publishing Journal Articles paper documents the process of turning research data into a peer review journal article in the built environment disciplines. The paper explains how to do the write up in a professional manner. The write up is made up of three key parts: preliminaries (title, abstract, key words), main body (introduction, literature review, methods, findings, discussion, conclusion, notes, and references) and appendage. Once the write up is complete, it guides the prospective author on dos and don’ts (or professional ethics of publishing) during the pre-submission and post-submission period. This practice would help lessen the burden on the peer review systems and facilitate the prospective author to achieve successful article publication in a peer review journal.

The paper entitled Employees’ Role in Health and Safety Committees: Weakest Link Towards Safety Compliances on Construction Sites in Kenya was to establish the level of performance of the HSCs and the employees’ involvement towards OSHA compliance on construction sites in Kenya. The target population comprised of 250 registered projects being undertaken by NCA5-NCA8 contractors. A sample size of 153 sites was established using the stratified and simple random sampling method. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaires and a response rate of 82% was achieved. The study established the level of performance of HSCs to be at 42% and participation of employees in the HSCs to be 54.2%. The data showed a strong and positive correlation of 0.708 (p=0.01) between the level of performance of HSCs and the level of employees’ involvement. The study concluded that the level of performance of HSCs in construction sites in Kenya was inadequate. The level of employee involvement in HSCs was also insufficient. The study recommended increased involvement of employees in HSCs. This could be achieved through capacity building initiatives for employees to enhance their abilities to adequately take up their roles in the HSCs.

Strategies to Streamline Urban Land Use Succession: Case Study of Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya paper aims identifying the determinants of ULUS and establish the influence of global capital and spatial policy on ULUS. A case study research design was used. The data was obtained from a survey of 68 properties in Upper Hill. Systematic sampling was applied to select 68 plots out of a population of 516 plots. Primary data was collected using interviews and observations. Descriptive and T-student tests were used to analyze the data, including testing of hypotheses. Photographs and descriptions were used to present the data analysis.
The study recommends that the redevelopment in the Upper Hill area should consider a comprehensive plan that is part of the organic city of Nairobi. The different approving and enforcement agents in the planning sector need to be better integrated and coordinated for the proper implementation of the County Physical and Land Use Development Plan. Public land, just as private land, should be redeveloped to create a consistent urbanscape. Development of Upper Hill should also consider providing community and upgrading sewer facilities for better social and environmental conditions for residents.

The paper on Dynamics of Industrial Gentrification: A review of Literature addresses the industrial gentrification from the point of less attention being given to social and spatial aspects of transition from an industrial economy to post-industrial economy. This gap is examined through industrial gentrification in four cities: Chicago in the United States, Williamsburg-Brooklyn in New York, Glasgow in the United Kingdom, and Haifa City in Israel. The study adopts a case study approach to do a comparative analysis and gain an in-depth understanding of the drivers, effects, and interventions of industrial gentrification in these cities. This methodology was chosen due to its ability to provide rich and context-specific insights into the complex process of industrial gentrification, taking into account the unique social, economic, and historical factors at play in each city. Four (4) models of industrial gentrification emerge namely Policy Intervention Model; Decline/Dwindling Opportunities Model; Relocation/Space Restriction Model; and Complimentary Needs Model. These models are re-examined to draw lessons that may be useful in shaping sustainable urban transformation. The study recommends adoption of inclusive zoning and mixed-use development, implementation of strategic land use plans, creation and enforcement of displacement policies, and community participation in the planning process.

This paper Determinants of Efficiency in the Construction Industry in Kigali City, Rwanda highlights the main factors affecting efficiency in the construction industry in Kigali, Rwanda. This is because the contribution of the construction industry in growth and development is widely recognized. This paper uses selected high rise building projects in Kigali city explain the main forces influencing efficiency in a country like Rwanda. The study adopted a descriptive method that involved administration of questionnaires, observations and document reviews. The study concluded that five factors explain construction projects time overruns and thus inefficiency. The factors were identified in order of significance as follows: i) variations and design changes during project execution period, ii) late payment to the contractor; iii) slow decision making, iv) delays in delivery of building materials; and financial challenges by the building contractors. The study recommended among others that efficiency in the construction industry would require adequate preparation including risk analysis, understanding the local conditions and that for more generalization of the results there would be need for similar studies covering other parts of Rwanda.

Developers’ Influence in Health and Safety Committees: A Missing Link on Construction Sites in Kenya paper aims at establishing an effective strategy for the enhancement of HSCs’ performance in construction sites in Kenya. A sample of 153 sites were selected using simple random sampling. A response rate of 82% was achieved. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires. The findings indicated that the level of performance of HSCs registered a paltry 42% against the expected 100%. Further, 100% of the respondents recommended inclusion of developers in the HSCs as the best approach towards enhanced compliance with OSHA 2007. The most significant developer-related factors were identified as selection of contractors with good record towards health and safety (mean=4.12) and sensitization of stakeholders on best workplace health and safety practices (mean=4.08). The study revealed a significant strong positive relationship (0.639) between the performance of HSCs and the developer-related factors. The study concluded that the developers’ influence in the HSCs is indeed a missing link in OSHA 2007 compliance. It recommended amendment of the OSHA 2007 to onboard developers in HSCs to enhance their effective performance on the SME construction sites in Kenya.

The paper entitled, Role of Existing Masonry Work Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Building and Construction Workplaces in Nairobi County, Kenya, addresses the exposure of masonry workers work-related risks resulting to development of musculoskeletal disorder and associated diseases affecting their body's movements. Multiple-case study methods were employed to undertake the inquiry. The study was guided by the General Systems Theory. A review of the existing literature in the field of the study was carried, and the knowledge gap for the study identified. The field data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Paired null and alternative hypotheses for the study were defined. The data collected was subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis for logical patterns, relationships and level of statistical significance. The key findings of the study showed involvement of masonry workers in risk management decision-making, work performance, process audits and reviews. The Pearson correlation results (P<= 0.05) showed that the Role of existing masonry work management of Musculoskeletal Disorders in building and Construction Workplaces was positively related to workers musculoskeletal disorder of masonry workers. The regression model summary results of the study indicated that R =.541, implying that the Role of existing masonry work management correlated at .541. The study results for the coefficient for simple-regression determination (R- squared) was .331, implying that the changes in independent variables influenced changes in the dependent variable by 33.1%. Other factors beyond the scope of this study explained the remainder 66.9% out of 100% of the changes. However, the figure does not reveal information about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables cause and effect of the regression model.

Robert Rukwaro
Editor-in-Chief

African Habitat Review
Faculty of the Built Environment and Design
University of Nairobi
Tel: +254-2729700
E-mail address: sobe.ahrjournal@gmail.com
rukwaro@uonbi.ac.ke

Forces Driving ICT Adoption in Real Estate Firms in Kenya

2023-11-04T03:42:33+00:00

ICT plays a significant role in real estate transactions, facilitating efficiency in transactions and reduction of costs. The adoption of the technology has however been sluggish despite its importance property transactions. This set out investigate the factors influencing ICT adoption in the sector, the literature highlighted key issues including and established four main factors with significant influence on ICT adoption- complexity, perceived user benefits, availability of skills and availability of ICT equipment within the firms. The study adopted a descriptive research design that entailed collection of data from a population of 124 comprising of real estate firms comprising of 83 professional firms and 41 real estate agents operating in Nairobi. A random sample of 63 was selected for investigation of the status of ICT adoption. Data was collected using questionnaires. Data analysis was undertaken using inferential and descriptive statistics to test the relationships between the various variables. In the end, the field survey established that these factors play varied significant roles influencing ICT adoption. In conclusion, it is clear from the study results that to enhance ICT adoption in Real Estate firms require a combination of efforts including enhancing user staff skills, acquisition of user friendly equipment, facilitating staff interactions between firms and staff from diverse firms. The study recommended that real estate firms be encouraged to engage ICT professionals who lead in enhancing their capacities and that a similar study covering other parts of the country should be undertaken to be able to generalize the results.

Developing A Framework for Enhancing Value Management Adoption in Conception of Construction Projects in Rwanda

2023-11-04T03:42:34+00:00

In Rwanda, big and complex infrastructure projects executed so far have not been done in consideration of the requisite value analysis at any stage of their implementation, resulting in notable frivolous scope changes, redundant facilities, and huge and unjustifiable costs in the projects. This calls for scrutiny of the practice of value management (VM) in the construction industry. VM is a structured approach that aims to maximize the value of a project while minimizing its costs. In the context of construction projects, value management can be used to ensure that the project meets the client's needs and objectives, while also achieving value for money. This paper explores the application of VM in the conception of construction projects in Rwanda. The study examined the current state of VM practices in Rwanda and highlighted factors promoting effective adoption of VM in construction projects. It also looked at the challenges associated with the VM adoption in Rwanda. Additionally, it explored the possibility of making VM use a mandatory requirement in the design of large and complex infrastructure projects in the country. The researchers aimed to develop a framework to foster adoption of VM in the construction industry of Rwanda. A questionnaire was used to collect data from professional practitioners in construction industry in Rwanda, and statistical data analysis was done. The study findings are that the respondents were aware of VM and its benefits in construction projects in Rwanda, but their application of VM in the projects was poor. Consequently, the VM-associated benefits – i.e. improved project outcomes, increased client satisfaction, and reduced project costs – which have been observed elsewhere, are not found in the industry. From the data analysis results, a schematic framework was formulated to promote the adoption of VM in the construction industry of Rwanda. The framework underlines VM training and awareness campaigns, institutional and legal support, and continual monitoring and evaluation of the endeavour.

The Impact of Street Morphology on Crime in Juja Town, Kiambu County

2023-11-04T03:42:34+00:00

In the urban realm, crime is concerned with the spatial aspect that is, the morphological dimension. Juja town has experienced three types of street crime: mugging, burglary, and theft. Therefore, this paper aims to identify and analyze the street morphology of the area in relation to crime. The study employed a descriptive research design. It sampled 84 streets in Juja town, Kenya, and analyzed their character through observation methods and interviews with respondents on crime incidences. The results show a correlation between street morphology and crime. It found that street morphology explained up to 35 percent variation in crime. Further, streets characterized by single-storey and double-storey structures enclosed by physical barriers such as fences experienced mugging and theft cases. Streets characterized by high-rise structures experienced theft and break-in cases. The study recommends that urban planners employ an organic street pattern approach. Further, local authorities should encourage mixed-used developments, to promote activities on the street through different times of the day. The provision of recreational zones, within residential zones characterized by single-storey and double-storey structures, would encourage a sense of community among residents, promoting passive surveillance and alleviating the fear of crime.

Communicating Research in the Built Environment:

2023-11-04T03:42:34+00:00

The primary aim of this article is to document the process of turning research data into a peer review journal article in the built environment disciplines. This is necessary to educate prospective authors who wish to convert their research output into quality journal articles. It proceeds to do this by first explaining how to do the write up in a professional manner. The write up is made up of three key parts: preliminaries (title, abstract, key words), main body (introduction, literature review, methods, findings, discussion, conclusion, notes, and references) and appendage. Once the write up is complete, it guides the prospective author on dos and don’ts (or professional ethics of publishing) during the pre-submission and post-submission period. This practice would help lessen the burden on the peer review systems and facilitate the prospective author to achieve successful article publication in a peer review journal.

Employees’ Role in Health and Safety Committees:

2023-11-04T03:42:34+00:00

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 2007 which was enacted to provide for the safety, health, and welfare of all persons lawfully present at workplaces, makes provisions for the occupier to establish health and safety committees (HSCs) whose membership is drawn from the occupier’s top management representative and the employees engaged in the workplaces. However, while anecdotal evidence suggests that there has been poor performance of the HSCs coupled with inadequate involvement of employees in the HSCs’ operations, no previous studies have been able to establish such assertions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the level of performance of the HSCs and the employees’ involvement towards OSHA compliance on construction sites in Kenya. The target population comprised of 250 registered projects being undertaken by NCA5-NCA8 contractors. A sample size of 153 sites was established using the stratified and simple random sampling method. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaires and a response rate of 82% was achieved. The study established the level of performance of HSCs to be at 42% and participation of employees in the HSCs to be 54.2%. The data showed a strong and positive correlation of 0.708 (p=0.01) between the level of performance of HSCs and the level of employees’ involvement. The study concluded that the level of performance of HSCs in construction sites in Kenya was inadequate. The level of employee involvement in HSCs was also insufficient. The study recommends increased involvement of employees in HSCs. This could be achieved through capacity building initiatives for employees to enhance their abilities to adequately take up their roles in the HSCs.

Strategies to Streamline Urban Land Use Succession:

2023-11-04T03:42:34+00:00

This paper follows a journal paper ’Determinant and Outcomes of Urban Land Use Succession: Case study of Upper Hill, Nairobi based on a PHD research carried out to explore Urban Land Use Succession (ULUS) that is driven by private actors. It is distinguished from public sector ULUS and public-private ULUS. In Nairobi it is evident in Kilimani and Upper Hill where population pressure on land and demand for fully serviced properties have triggered restructuring, densification and intensification. In Upper Hill, ULUS started in the 1990’s and escalated in the last decade, with old colonial residential bungalows bowing to commercial tower blocks. This has resulted in patchwork land use patterns and incoherent streetscape among others. The resolution of these conflicts is critical to making the area a financial and business hub for Nairobi and the East Africa Community region. The purpose of research was to identify the determinants of ULUS and establish the influence of global capital and spatial policy on ULUS. It applied neoliberal theory, case study strategy and hypotheses testing. The Strategies to streamline ULUS are also suggested, including, development of an integrated ULUS policy, a growth management strategy and establishment of an Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Dynamics of Industrial Gentrification: A Review of Literature

2023-11-04T03:42:34+00:00

The phenomenon of gentrification has been widely studied in urban research, with a particular focus on residential neighbourhoods. However, industrial gentrification, which Chris Hamnett refers to as the social and spatial manifestation of the transition from an industrial economy to a post-industrial economy, has received relatively less attention. This paper aims to address this gap by examining industrial gentrification in four cities: Chicago in the United States, Williamsburg-Brooklyn in New York, Glasgow in the United Kingdom, and Haifa City in Israel. The study adopts a case study approach to do a comparative analysis and gain an in-depth understanding of the drivers, effects, and interventions of industrial gentrification in these cities. This methodology was chosen due to its ability to provide rich and context-specific insights into the complex process of industrial gentrification, taking into account the unique social, economic, and historical factors at play in each city. Four (4) models of industrial gentrification emerge namely Policy Intervention Model; Decline/Dwindling Opportunities Model; Relocation/Space Restriction Model; and Complimentary Needs Model. These models are re-examined to draw lessons that may be useful in shaping sustainable urban transformation particularly for rapidly urbanising cities in developing countries. The study recommends adoption of inclusive zoning and mixed-use development, implementation of strategic land use plans, creation and enforcement of displacement policies, and community participation in the planning process.

Determinants of Efficiency in the Construction Industry in Kigali City, Rwanda

2023-11-04T03:42:35+00:00

This paper aims at highlighting the main factors affecting efficiency in the construction industry in Kigali, Rwanda. This is because the contribution of the construction industry in growth and development is widely recognized. The desire to maximize returns from sector has thus forced stakeholders to identify ways of reducing wastage and ensure optimal utilization of key re-sources like finance, human resource and time among others. This paper uses selected high rise building projects in Kigali city explain the main forces influencing efficiency in a country like Rwanda. The study adopted a descriptive method that involved administration of question-naires, observations and document reviews. In the end, the study concluded that five factors ex-plain construction projects time overruns and thus inefficiency. The factors were identified in order of significance as follows: i) variations and design changes during project execution peri-od, ii) late payment to the contractor; iii) slow decision making, iv) delays in delivery of build-ing materials; and financial challenges by the building contractors. In the end, the study rec-ommended among others that efficiency in the construction industry would require adequate preparation including risk analysis, understanding the local conditions and that for more gener-alization of the results there would be need for similar studies covering other parts of Rwanda.

Developers’ Influence in Health and Safety Committees:

2023-11-04T03:42:35+00:00

The Occupational Safety And Health Act (OSHA, 2007), was enacted to provide for the safety, health and welfare of all persons lawfully present at work places in Kenya. The Act makes provisions for the contractor to establish health and safety committees (HSCs) whose membership is drawn from the contractor’s top management representatives and the employees engaged in the workplaces. The main role of the HSCs is to review the working conditions with a view of identifying inherent risks in the processes and advise the management of probable mitigation measures. Despite the establishment of the HSCs, accidents continue to be reported on small and medium size (SME) construction sites in Kenya, suggesting that the HSCs approach could be ineffective. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish an effective strategy for the enhancement of HSCs’ performance in construction sites in Kenya. A sample of 153 sites were selected using simple random sampling. A response rate of 82% was achieved. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires. The findings indicate that the level of performance of HSCs registered a paltry 42% against the expected 100%. Further, 100% of the respondents recommended inclusion of developers in the HSCs as the best approach towards enhanced compliance with OSHA 2007. The most significant developer-related factors were identified as selection of contractors with good record towards health and safety (mean=4.12) and sensitization of stakeholders on best workplace health and safety practices (mean=4.08). The study revealed a significant strong positive relationship (0.639) between the performance of HSCs and the developer-related factors. The study concluded that the developers’ influence in the HSCs is indeed a missing link in OSHA 2007 compliance. It recommends amendment of the OSHA 2007 to onboard developers in HSCs to enhance their effective performance on the SME construction sites in Kenya.

Role of Masonry Work Procedures in Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders of Masonry Workers in Building Construction Workplaces, Nairobi County, Kenya

2023-11-04T03:42:35+00:00

Globally masonry workers are often exposed to work-related risks resulting in the development of musculoskeletal disorders affecting their body's movements. Despite the gains made, existing engineering and administrative preventive and control methods have not adequately addressed this problem. This investigation was on the role of masonry work procedures in the management of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) of masonry workers in Building Construction Workplaces (BCW) in Nairobi County, Kenya. Cross-sectional survey research design was employed to undertake the inquiry. The study was guided by the General Systems Theory. Literature in the field of the study was reviewed and the knowledge gap was identified. The field data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. The data was subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis for logical patterns, relationships, and levels of statistical significance. The Pearson correlation results (P<= 0.05) showed that the masonry work procedures were positively related to the development of musculoskeletal disorders of masonry workers in building construction workplaces. The key recommendations of the study were; to improve masonry workers’ teamwork spirit through regular education, skills training, and mentorship on workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) management; review of existing Occupation, Safety and Health Act, (OSHA, 2007) legislations to including the participation of project sponsors and designers in OSH risk management in BCW and the BCW management to establish and effect medical surveillance, and treatment of masonry workers.